Everyone loves the holiday season — what with the carols, the big man in a red suit, along with festive feasts and holiday parties. But if you want to feel beautiful and confident this holiday season, there are some skincare myths worth nut-cracking.

➊ You don’t need UV protection in the winter

It’s freezing cold and the sky is gunmetal grey, but don’t be fooled. The sun is shining and UV radiation is contributing to wrinkles, fine lines, and even age spots and discoloration. “If you can see your hand in front of your face there is enough sun for you to be wearing sunscreen,” says Dr. Julia Carroll, a dermatologist at Compass Dermatology in Toronto.

Specialists recommend a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection from both UVB and UVA. Obagi Healthy Skin Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion fits the bill.It’s formulated with a combination of a physical sunscreen (micronized zinc oxide) and a chemical filter, and it’s suitable for all skin types! Remember, the snow on your driveway is more reflective of UV rays than the sand on the beach last summer.

➋ Dry and itchy skin is unavoidable during the winter

Weather, low humidity, and dry indoor heat doesn’t have to lead to dry, itchy skin. You just need to increase the moisture in your skin and keep it healthy.  You can do that by combining Obagi Hydrate, which provides deep skin hydration, with Obagi Professional-C Serum. It also enhances moisture — which makes wrinkles less noticeable — and brings the many anti-aging benefits of vitamin C, including collagen creation.

➌ Skincare regimens are only for celebrities

You don’t own a Gulfstream jet and a luxury jeweller won’t pay you to wear his necklace, but you don’t have to be a celebrity to get skin-enhancing procedures. For the cost of a high-end facial you could get Clear & Brilliant, a gentle 10–20 minute laser care treatment that prevents the visible signs of aging. Dr. Carroll says it helps “those just starting to see the effects of aging and those who have already had more aggressive treatment.”

➍ Invasive treatments are the only way to see skin improvements

There are many non-invasive treatments to make your skin appear more youthful. Various forms of botulinum toxin reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels lighten fine lines and improve skin tone and texture. Dr. Carroll’s clinic provides clients with a three-month program based on the Obagi Nu-Derm System, which transforms the appearance of aging skin. “This is one of our most popular treatments,” she explains. “As a physician, I supplement this system with Tretinoin.”